Stormforce Coaching SB20 UK Nationals at Royal Torbay Yacht Club - Day 1

The first day of the 2016 SB20 National Championships at Royal Torbay Yacht Club brought big breeze, broken masts and brilliant sailing. So excited was Class Chairman Adrian Peach about the prospect of the day's racing that he forgot to take his outboard bracket off until ten minutes before the first start.

SB20 UK Nationals at Torbay day 1 - photo © VR Sport Media

Over enthusiasm by the 26 boats delayed Race 1 with a general recall leading to the remaining starts on the day starting under black flag. The wind varied between Force 3 & 5 in the first race and Uber owned by Adrian Peach but helmed by James Peters had an excellent first run to lead the first lap from Paddy Bettesworth's Mistral and Whyaduck sailed by Tom Clay. These places remained the same until the second run when Joe Llewellyn in Forelle Estates spotted big pressure coming in from the left, gybed early and planed down to the mark, almost catching James Peters who had to drop early as he had over stood. This race saw the retirement of Paul Hine's Poor Buoy with a broken spreader, but fortunately they saved the mast.

SB20 UK Nationals at Torbay day 1 - photo © VR Sport Media

By Race 2 the wind had risen to Force 5-6 and Rob Gullen sailing 3047 had a good first beat to lead down the first run from Uber and James Peters. On the second run a very heavy squall came through causing multiple broaches and bringing down the mast of Jerry Hill in Sportsboat World. By the end of the second beat the places were the same but Uber hit the windward mark with their boom and doing a 360 let Joe Llewellyn into third. But both Rob Gullen and Joe Llewellyn over stood the leeward mark allowing Uber to plane through to take the race win from Rob Gullen followed by John Pollard in Xcellent and Mistral.

SB20 UK Nationals at Torbay day 1 - photo © VR Sport Media

The wind was still gusting 6 in the last race of the day but was not quite as powerful and four boats broke away from the fleet to have a brilliant tactical battle throughout the race. Joe Llewellyn nailed the first beat to lead from Rob Gullen, John Pollard and James Peters. Places remained the same at the leeward mark. The second beat was very close and tactical with all four boats looking as though they could end up in the lead. At the last windward mark Joe Llewellyn led but a momentary lull let Rob Gullen, James Peters and John Pollard through with the final finishing order being Rob Gullen, James Peters, John Pollard and Joe Llewellyn. This left James Peters leading the regatta with two bullets and a second.

Results after Day 1: